Abstract.
The aim of this study was to compare the numbers and species
composition of water-bird assemblages observed on a 7-kilometer section
of the Vistula River below Warsaw (Łomianki commune, 52°22’N, 20°53’E)
during 1980-1981 and 2008-2009. Counts were carried out on an annual
basis in 5 distinct phonological periods: winter (25 December – 14
February), early spring (15 February – 30 April), late spring (1 May –
30 June), summer (1 July – 30 September) and autumn (1 October – 24
December). A total of 105 counts were performed, of which 65 were
performed in the period 1980-1981 (with a frequency of 1-5 times per
month) and 40 in the period 2008-2009 (frequency of 2 times a month).
The study included birds occurring in the river bed or passing along
the river. Changes in the annual cycle of densities of the whole
assemblage and of the individual species of water-birds were similar in
the first and second period of the study. Total densities of bird
assemblages in the corresponding phenological periods of both study
periods were similar. In 2008-2009, all phenological periods were
characterized by a greater species richness and greater overall species
diversity of water-bird assemblages compared to the period 1980-1981.
Overall, densities of 22 species were higher in the second period than
in the first period. These were the following species: Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Whooper Swan C. cygnus, Graylag Goose Anser anser, Bean Goose A. fabalis, Gadwall Anas strepera, Teal A. crecca, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Pochard A. ferina, Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Goosander Mergus merganser, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Great Egret Ardea alba, Grey Heron A. cinerea, Black Stork Ciconia nigra, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus, gulls from the Herring Gull complex L. argentatus sensu lato, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus and White-winged Terns C. leucopterus.
In most of the above species, the observed differences in numbers
between the two study periods could be explained by the growing trends
of national populations of these species, often accompanied by
expansion of the species ranges. For
5 species the densities were lower in the second than in the first study period. In the case of Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus and Coot Fulica atra
the difference in densities can be explained by decreasing trends of
their national populations. However, the lower densities of
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Common Gull Larus canus and Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus in the second
study period could be the result of the elimination of a large
municipal waste landfill located in the vicinity of the study area.
Substantial increases in the number of Cormorant and gulls from the
Herring Gull complex, and declines in Black-headed Gull and Common Gull
affected to some degree the structure of the water-bird assemblages,
especially during the late spring and summer phonological periods.

Abstract. The Barn Owl Tyto alba
pellets were collected at seven sites in the lower Noteć valley and
surrounding area in 2002. In total, 1,471 individuals of vertebrate
owls’ prey were indentified in the analysed bone material. Small
mammals dominated the sample of owls’ food, and constituted to 99.5% of
the prey items. The contribution of birds was clearly lower (0.4%),
while amphibians were only accidentally preyed (0.1%). Within mammals
the most frequently captured species were: Common Shrew Sorex araneus (54.9%), as well as Common Vole Microtus arvalis and House Mouse Mus musculus.
In two localities the food composition was compared between years 1984
and 2002, and relatively low differences were recorded. Rarely noted
mammal species were found: three new localities of Lesser White-toothed
Shrew Crocidura suaveolens and two localities of Water Vole Arvicola amphibius.

Lesiński G., Beuch S. 2016. Small mammal community in suburban forests of Bytom based on the analysis of Tawny Owl’s Strix aluco diet.Kulon 21: 31-39.

Abstract. Small mammal community in suburban forests of Bytom was estimated by using an analysis of the Tawny Owl’s Strix aluco
pellets. Material collected between 2011 and 2016 contained remains of
324 individuals of mammals belonging to 14 species. Three most
frequently noted species (Bank Vole Myodes glareolus, Yellow-necked Mouse Apodemus flavicollis and Common Shrew Sorex araneus) belong to dominating small mammal communities in Polish forests. Species avoiding human-transformed areas: Water Vole Arvicola amphibius, Field Vole Microtus agrestis and Common Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius were rarely captured by owls. The presence of Common Vole Microtus arvalis and Lesser White-toothed Shrew Crocidura suaveolens
suggests that owls’ hunting grounds covered at least edges of open
areas. As the forests where the study was conducted were contiguous to
a large urban agglomeration, the species richness of small mammal
community can be estimated as relatively high.

Lesiński G. 2016. Small mammals of „Dębina I” reserve in the eastern Masovia on the basis of food composition of Tawny Owls Strix aluco.Kulon 21: 41-47.

Abstract. In the years 2007-2016 the food composition of Tawny Owls Strix aluco
was examined in „Dębina I” reserve in Masovian Voivodship (52.40°N,
21.38°E). In the analysed bone material 2,655 vertebrate prey items
were found, among which there were 1,513 individuals of mammals. On
that basis, it was established that the area and the nearest
surrounding were inhabited by at least 21 species of small mammals. The
following species were recorded: three soricomorphs Soricomorpha, eight
bats Chiroptera, nine rodents Rodentia and one of the order Carnivora.
All of them belong to species whose ranges cover the whole Masovia.
Substantial forest fragmentation and the lack of connection with larger
forests could be responsible for the absence of some rodent species
which ranges cover this part of the country. It is worth emphasizing
the presence of relatively rich assemblage of bats, among which Lesser
Noctule Nyctalus leisleri and Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii
are valuable and rarely noted species. The most often species preyed by
owls were the following: among bats – Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus (20 out of 35 individuals, 1.3% of mammalian prey), soricomorphs – Common Shrew Sorex araneus (5.6%), rodents – Yellow
-necked Mouse Apodemus flavicollis (29,0%) and Bank Vole Myodes glareolus (23,5%).

Abstract.
The study was conducted in the Lublin Province, mainly in High Nature
Value farmlands along the valleys of the rivers Bug, Tyśmienica and
Wieprz. Samples were collected during four years (2012-2015) in study
plots located in winter cereals of organic (E) and low-input
conventional farming systems (K). Epigeic and epiphytic spiders were
caught by using pitfall traps and sweep net, respectively. In Total,
167 individuals from 30 rare and endangered species were collected,
which accounted for 0.25% of the totally caught specimens and 13% of
all species found. Two species belonged to the category ‘endangered’
(EN) in Poland; 20 species were vulnerable (VU) and seven species with
deficient data (DD). The most abundant rare and endangered spider
species were by name as follows: Thanatus arenarius, Pardosa maisa and Porrhomma microphthalmum.
Statistically significant differences in the number of individuals and
the number of rare and endangered spider species, between winter
cereals in organic and low-input conventional farming systems were not
revealed.

Abstract.
We investigated ladybirds overwintering in agricultural landscape near
Brzozówka in Kampinos Forest (Central Poland). Altogether, 180 samples
of litter were collected in six habitats: on psammophilous grassland,
under Scots pines Pinus sylvestris
on fallow, in patches of mixed pine and alder forests, and under
freestanding oaks. In total, we recorded 141 ladybird individuals
representing seven species: Anatis ocellata, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinula quatuordecimpustulata, Exochomus quadripustulatus, Hippodamia tredecimpunctata, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata, and Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata. The dominant species was C. septempunctata (111 individuals), followed by H. tredecimpunctata
(15 ind.). The relatively high numbers of H. tredecimpunctata
hibernating in the litter under pines is interesting. This species is
associated with humid habitats in the growing season and was recorded
in very low numbers in previous studies on the hibernation of ladybirds
in Kampinoski National Park.

Abstract.Ladybird
beetles were surveyed in 2014-2016 in Wigry National Park (NE Poland).
Thirty three species were recorded. The most abundant were Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata (20% of all ladybird individuals) and Coccinella quinquepunctata
(17% of all individuals). Contribution of the invasive harlequin
ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) was low (1% of all individuals). Seven
species registered in this study (Coccidula rufa, Scymnus suturalis, S. nigrinus, Stethorus pusillus, Vibidia duodecimguttata, Anatis ocellata and Coccinella magnifica)
have not previously been reported from the area of Wigry National Park.
At present, 45 species of ladybird beetles are known to occur in Wigry
National Park.

Abstract.In 2010-2016, we recorded 24 new sites of the hairy flower wasp Scolia hirta
– the species listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Invertebrates – in
the Mazowiecka Lowland (central Poland), mainly in its southern and
eastern part. 7 sites are located in the Mazowiecki Landscape Park and
2 in the Nadbużański Landscape Park.

Abstract. In the years 2015-2016, new localities of mud dauber wasp Sceliphron destillatorium
(Illiger, 1807) were found in the Małopolska Upland and in the
Świętokrzyskie Mountains. The species has not yet been recorded neither
from Radom and the Kozienice Forest nor from the Świętokrzyski National
Park. In Poland, Sceliphron destillatorium is spreading its range in north-western direction.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to record the occurrence several populations of Perccottus glenii
from small drainage canals in wetland in Belarus (near Drohiczyn) and
small Vistula oxbow lakes in Mazovia (Poland). Probably, populations of
Perccottus glenii can eliminate larval and juvenile forms of local amphibians.

Chmielewski S. 2016.A HIGH NUMBER OF DEAD GRASS SNAKES NATRIX NATRIX ON A LOCAL ROAD. Kulon 21: 89-92.

PL-05-640 Mogielnica, ul. Rynek 12, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl

Abstract.
On 3 October 2015, on the local, asphalt road Borek – Pagowiec
(51°35’40’’N, 21°0’47’’E, Central Poland), 74 dead grass snakes Natrix natrix
(0.8 ind./10 m) were found, and two alive on the road side. The
inventory was conducted along the road section of 916 m. Young and
adult snakes were present. This road section separated a peatland
of about 200 ha from fragments of a pine forest. Observation of such a
high number of dead individuals could be an indication of migration to
their overwintering sites, or of the use of warm asphalt. On that day,
the air temperature was high, +20°C. This was one of the last three
warmest days in 2015 (Figure).

Dombrowski A., Trębicki Ł., Nicewicz Ł. 2016. CHANGES
IN NUMBERS OF BIRDS OF PREY ACCIPITRIFORMES AND FALCONIFORMES IN
THE POSTBREEDING PERIOD IN THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE NEAR SIEDLCE. Kulon 21: 93-101.

Abstract.
In the periods 4 November 2011 to 15 March 2012 and 14 August to
21 November 2012, 11 surveys of birds of prey Accipitriformes and
Falconiformes were conducted in the Zbuczyn area (56.3 square km) near
Siedlce (E. Poland). Only stationary birds (resting or foraging) are
included, without those flying high on migration. In the postbreeding
season 2011-2012, a total of 11 species of the two orders of birds of
prey were noted, varying from one to seven species and from eight to 57
individuals per survey. In total 314 birds were recorded. The most
abundant species was the Buzzard Buteo buteo
(N=265), contributing to 84.4% of all birds of prey. Buzzards were most
abundant in the period of early autumn migration, with a highest
density of 12.0 ind./10 square km of open area (grassland and cropland)
and a lowest density in the early winter and late winter periods (1.8
ind./10 square km in each). Over the whole winter period (15 December –
17 February), the mean density was 3.0 ind./10 square km. In the late
autumn period (November) of the two seasons (2011 and 2012), numbers of
Buzzards did not differ markedly, varying from 19 to 25 individuals.
Numbers of other species were much lower: Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (N=17), Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (N=10); Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus (N=6), and Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
(N=5). Numbers of the remaining species did not exceed 4 individuals
over the study period. The assemblage of birds of prey near Siedlce had
the same species composition and dominance structure (Re=79) as that
near Hajnówka monitored as the same time (Pugacewicz 2012). But their
numbers were higher near Hajnówka. In total, 432 birds were recorded
(9.4 ind./10 square km/survey), as compared with 314 birds (6.3 ind./10
square km/survey) near Siedlce. The densities of buzzards near Siedlce
were lower than near Hajnówka. This was likely due to a lower available
food supply, the proportion of open habitats being similar in the two
areas. The pattern of changes in numbers of buzzards was similar in the
two areas.

Abstract.
The Middle Vistula Valley, and especially its section crossing three
nature reserves, Łachy Brzeskie, Wyspy Świderskie, and Wyspy
Zawadowskie, is an important stopover and foraging sitefor
non-passerine waterbirds during autumn migration. The presence of
many bird species, in particular Charadriiformes, depends on the water
level in the river channel, that is, on the available food supply on
sandy islands, shoals and silt.

Abstract.
The analysed pellet material was collected in the years 2014-2015 in
the forest complex Prusy, a part of Rogów Forest District. Diet of owls
was dominated by voles Microtus
spp., accounting for 76% of prey items. The contribution of Muridae was
13% and the total contribution of rodents was close to 90%. Common
shrews, birds and insects supplemented the diet.

Abstract. ummer larders of the Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor were examined in the South-Podlasian
Lowland (52°12’N, 22°31’E) during the April-October periods of 2015 and
2016 In total, 39 prey were recorded of five classes and nine
orders. Rodents Rodentia predominated, followed by beetles
Coleoptera and orthopterans Orthoptera. Among rodents, most
frequently recorded was the Common Vole Microtus arvalis, among beetles, the Dung Beetle Geotrupes stercocrarius, and among orthopterans, the Field Cricket Gryllus campestris was the most frequent prey in larders.

Abstract. So far, the communal roosting of the Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
is poorly known. The largest breeding populations of this species known
from Poland occur in the Mazovian Lowland and in the
Biebrza Basin. Also the largest roosting assemblages of the the
Montagu’s Harrier were recorded there in mixed groups with the
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus.
It is likely that such large assemblages of birds reduce predation
risk, and are so called „information centres” for young individuals.

Abstract. In 2015, we noted two cases of the Montagu’s Harrier Cirrus pygargus
nesting very close (20m and 23m) to farm buildings in the agricultural
landscape of the Mazovian Lowland. In the locality Olszewo-Grzymki, a
nest was found containing a small nestling and four eggs, which was
located in a 1-ha triticale crop field at a distance of 23 m from the
nearest farm building. On the next visit, the nest was already
abandoned. The second case took place near the locality Ukazy. The nest
was placed in a triticale crop field at a distance of 20 m from
the farm fence. The pair raised one chick. In the Mazovian Lowland at
the end of the 1990s nests were located 150-200 m from farms, but
during the recent 10-years the nests have been frequently
discovered at a distance of 70-150 m.

Abstract. On 13 May to 11 June 2016, one pair of the Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta nested on
the field water pool located at the southern end of the Biosphere
Reserve „Kampinos Forest” (the Warsaw West district).This pair was
accompanied by two other individuals of this species. After nearly 3
weeks of incubation, the eggs were eaten by a fox, which was recorded
by automatic camera-traps. Water level decrease enabled an easy access
to the nest. Birds did not attempt to repeat breeding. This record was
approved by the Avifaunistic Commission.

Gryz J, Krauze-Gryz D. 2016.A NEW RECORD OF the NIGHTJAR CAPRIMULGUS EUROPAEUS IN WARSAW.Kulon 21: 124-125.

Abstract.
On June 16, 2016, a nightjar was recorded in the south-eastern part of
Warsaw. One individual called spontaneously in compartment 4 of the
Sobieski Forest,. This was a dune supporting pine forest Pinus sylvestris, with an admixture of silver birch Betula verrucosa and common juniper Juniperus communis.
Based on the time and place of the observation, one can assume
that this was a breeding species in the area. The species was not
recorded in the area of Warsaw, in its nesting habitat, for the last 30
years.

Abstract.
In gastrointestinal system of four beavers from the Fish Farm
Novosiolky (Belarus), we discovered some parasites identified as Platypsyllus castoris (Coleoptera) and Stichorchis subtriquetrus (Trematoda). Platypsyllus castoris was found only in adult Castor fiber, among them 14 to 32 individuals. In all beavers caught we found 87-652 individuals of trematoda.

Abstract. Two empty shells of the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea
were recorded on left bank of Vistula river in Warsaw (52°17’07”N,
20°59’42”E) on 29 June, 2016 (photo 4). Altogether, 19 paired and 76
single empty valves were collected during following surveys of left and
right banks of the river and two oxbows within city limits in July and
August 2016. A total of 8 live bivalves were collected from the river
bed and the oxbow at the depth of about 40 cm. The largest empty shell
was 31.6 mm wide and 29.1 mm long. The live specimens measured 9.4-22.5
mm in width and 8.3-25.2 mm in length. The records of the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea in Warsaw document spreading of this invasive species down the Vistula River from the upper part of the river.

Abstract.
Counts of birds wintering in river valleys and other objects in the
Mazovian Lowland were conducted in the period 16-24 January, 2016 along
17 rivers of different size classes. Birds were also observed in other
places of the concentration of waterbirds, such as towns and dam
reservoirs. 95 observers participated in this action. In total, 1215 km
of the river course were surveyed. The winter of 2015/2016 was rather
frosty, and mean daily temperatures during bird counts varied between
-5°C and -10°C. The water level in the Vistula River and its basin
was within the mean and low zones. The surveyed water bodies were
totally covered with ice. In January 2016, 104 wintering bird species
were noted (tabs 1 and 2), with a total of nearly 80 thousand
individuals. There were 39 species of waterbirds, with a total of
52 889 individuals. The most abundant species was the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos – 73.6%, rather abundant were also: Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (4.8%), Goosander Mergus merganser (3.9%), Goldeneye Bucephala clangula (3.7%), Mute Swan Cygnus olor (3.5%), not identified large Gulls Larus spp. (3.2%), and Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (2.7%). Land species were represented by 65 species with a total of 26 933 individuals. The most abundant were: Siskin Spinus spinus (12.2% of the assemblage, 27 ind./10 km) and Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (12% of the assemblage, 26.6 ind./10 km). The dominant species included also: Jackdaw Corvus monedula (8.1%), Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (7.9%)
and Great Tit Parus major (6.9%). The mean density of birds was 221.7
ind./10 km, and it was similar to the mean from the previous five
years (202.8 ind./10 km).